New Avon Venom....nearly killed myself!!!

[Maritimer]

Not really as the subject says....I didn't nearly killed myself in the real term of the word. Here is what happened...

 

I was in need of a new tire for the front of my Midnight '06 and from reading decided to put a Avon Venom 130 in the front. All I was reading seemed to point to a more nimble bike that felt lighter at parking lot speed. So I did just that.

 

Last night after work I went over to pick up the scoot. On the way out from the rear of the service bay there were many big holes. Normally it takes me a bit of dragging my feet and such to get around those. So this time I figured it would be no different. I started to turn around those large pot holes but the bike responded so nicely I kept over-steering.

 

Where normally I have to muscle the bike around obstacles, this time it just seemed to work itself around those. It was a great feeling. I almow felt like I was back on my 81 Virago.

 

I love my bike even more now. I never thought it woudl make such a difference. If I had, I would have replaced the front BrickStone way before this. I found a new love in that Avon Venom 130.

 

Just for the record, I also have the front end losered by 1 1/8" and I run a CT in the rear. Right now it feels to me like the very best combination.

 

"Rock on"

Edited September 5, 2009 by Maritimer

[Dave77459]

I had a similar reaction when I went from the stock Brickstone to the Venom 130 (MT90). I had read that it was like stopping beating yourself up. The new tire was so effortless to control.

 

Hope you enjoy it a good long time, without literally killing yourself.

 

Dave

[V-4 Vendetta]

Not really as the subject says....I didn't nearly killed myself in the real term of the word. Here is what happened...

 

I was in need of a new tire for the front of my Midnight '06 and from reading decided to put a Avon Venom 130 in the front. All I was reading seemed to point to a more nimble bike that felt lighter at parking lot speed. So I did just that.

 

Last night after work I went over to pick up the scoot. On the way out from the rear of the service bay there were many big holes. Normally it takes me a bit of dragging my feet and such to get around those. So this time I figured it would be no different. I started to turn around those large pot holes but the bike responded so nicely I kept over-steering.

 

Where normally I have to muscle the bike around obstacles, this time it just seemed to work itself around those. It was a great feeling. I almow felt like I was back on my 81 Virago.

 

I love my bike even more now. I never thought it woudl make such a difference. If I had, I would have replaced the front BrickStone way before this. I found a new love in that Avon Venom 130.

 

Just for the record, I also have the front end losered by 1 1/8" and I run a CT in the rear. Right now it feels to me like the very best combination.

 

"Rock on"

 

Be extra careful for about the first 30 miles or so. If your dealer neglected to warn you, the factory uses a release agent to allow the tire to be removed from the mold easily. The residue is slippery and take 30 miles or so to wear off the tire. Be careful in the curves the first 30.

[jburrell]

Congrats on the new tire. I went to the 130 about a month ago and I feel the same way, it just feels and rides like a completly different bike. I love it even more now. Not sure why its not the std tire.

[GuthDaddy17]

I run the Avon Venom 130 on the front of my RSTD and a stock size ME880 on the front of my RSV (until I can replace with an Avon) I don't really feel any difference between the two at low speeds. If anything, the 130 feels too light at hwy. speeds and I'll probably just go back to stock size when its time to replace. Then again, I have never had any problems with handling at low speeds. I did notice a huge difference between the Avons and the stock Bridgestones!

[Guest scarylarry]

Now you have my interest really high..

 

For the life of me how does the ride get better???

 

I mean this is one awesome curve hanging ride for me...

[Squidley]

Now you have my interest really high..

 

For the life of me how does the ride get better???

 

I mean this is one awesome curve hanging ride for me...

 

 

The Avons really help with the "Feel" of the bike, the design of the tire, for whatever reason, makes the bike feel more nimble. I know folks that have changed from the Bridgestone and as soon as they installed the Avon stating the bike has never felt of handled this good.

I am a huge fan of the Avon Venoms, especially on the Ventures. I have had the 130 front also and it does make the bike feel even more neutral in the steering dept. Only drawback I have with a 130 is at highway speeds the bike doesn't feel as planted as with the 150. It seems to me to get blown around a lot more.

[Venturous Randy]

I also feel the Avon Venoms make a 1st gen handle noticably more nimble. I just wish they felt good on my bike, and several other 1st gens on here at 70 mph and up. If that were so, I would still have Avons, but I do like the Elite III's.

RandyA

[Tartan Terror]

You should change the title to the thread though.. First impression for those who wont read this may turn off someone before they see how great these are.

[Maritimer]

You're right Tartan. Subject edited.

 

I have a couple hundred miles on it now and it feels better every turn I take. I tried it in a gravel parking lot where I normally am extra careful and I must say it handled just like it was on Asphalt.

 

I had great riding experience on highway before....now I get that same feeling in a parking lot LOL.

[Guest Boomerbiker]

Yup. Anything better than the Brickstones. Avon is quieter, too. I have 22,000 miles on the front tire with tread to go. Traveling from Coldwater to Montreal for a conference next Saturday.

[JLB]

I purchased an '05 RSTD with Dunlop 404s, they had just over 5,000 miles and were going fast, I replaced them with Avon Venoms, wow! Sweet tires, thanks for this site and all who participate.

 

I also had Rick Butler work on the Mustang seat, thanks for your efforts Rick, but it just did not fit, I installed a stock seat and the Ultimate backrest and what a difference, no more back pain.

 

I also learned that there is a difference in ear plugs to cover the dreaded whine/chirp. The foam ones are OK, but the solid rubbery ones cover the whine much better.

 

I am really following the motor kote thread, high hopes.

 

Thanks again folks.

[KiteSquid]

Just for the record, I also have the front end losered by 1 1/8" and I run a CT in the rear. Right now it feels to me like the very best combination.

 

CT?????? How does Computed Tomography work on the rear of a motorcycle???? I dont get it.

[camos]

Not quite so technical, CT = Car Tire.